The 2014 offseason has not quite gone to plan thus far for the Carolina Panthers. First, 2013 Pro Bowl left tackle Jordan Gross retired after 10 years in the league and then wide receivers Steve Smith, Brandon LaFell and Ted Ginn Jr. all bolted to different cities. Jerricho Cotchery and Jason Avant were both brought in as veteran heads to steady the ship, but neither are what they used to be.
The Panthers hold seven picks in the 2014 NFL draft starting with the 28th overall selection. Along with left tackle and wide receiver, there are a number of holes to fill if the NFC South champions are to make a return to the playoffs.
Major Needs
Wide Receiver: Cam Newton has been crying out for an elite wide receiver for years and 2014 needs to be the year the Panthers give him one. This year’s wide receiver class is one of the deepest ever and value will be found throughout.
Left tackle: Arguably the most important position not named quarterback, Jordan Gross leaves a huge void here that has not been a problem for a decade. Keep a strong offensive line will keep Newton in the pocket and playing his best football.
Cornerback: A position of need for some years now, the Panthers’ defensive back group missed Chris Gamble last season as the group thinned further. There is a lot of top-end talent in 2014 but there is a sharp drop off after the first two rounds.
Defensive End: Greg Hardy is phenomenal and Charles Johnson is not half bad either. However, you can never have too many pass rushers and, with Hardy franchise tagged, it may be wise to plan for his possible departure in 12 months time.
Day One Targets (First Round)
Morgan Moses: The Panthers can get their left tackle immediately in the powerful Moses. The Virginia tackle is as strong as an ox and displays good technique in all areas. This seems like the value pick with wide receivers aplenty in later rounds.
Kyle Fuller: If he can stay healthy Fuller will be the best cornerback from this draft class. After learning his trade in the fabled Virginia Tech defense, he will be able to hold his own from week one.
Brandin Cooks: This slot receiver is as good as they come. He may not be the big-bodied, outside receiver Panther fans will be clamouring for but he is a reliable chain-mover. Furthermore, he would allow the Panthers’ to take a gamble on a more high risk high reward receiver later in the draft.
Day Two Targets (Second and Third Round)
Bashaud Breeland: Breeland is a smaller corner out of Clemson who plays tough and suits Carolina’s system. He is a late riser on many draft boards but could be available towards the end of the second round.
Kyle Van Noy: The versatile Van Noy can do it all and would be a superb moveable piece in the Panther defense. Luke Kuechly and Thomas Davis are both outstanding players but a third linebacker who can cover tight ends as well as rush the quarterback would shore up the position for years.
Antonio Richardson: If the Panthers go wide receiver in round one then this could be their third-round selection. Richardson, just like Moses, is built like a football player and passes the eyeball test. More of a smothering run bulldozer than pass blocker, Richardson would need to refine his passing technique to successfully protect Newton’s blind side but he has the potential.
Lamarcus Joyner: Tyrann Mathieu 2.0 is destined to have a superb NFL career thanks to his determination and willingness to play football every single play. At Florida State he had tackles, sacks, forced fumbles and interceptions.
Mid-to-Late Round Targets (Fourth Round and Later)
Jon Halapio: Guards Jeff Byers and Geoff Hangartner both retired after the 2013 season and Halapio would add some depth while pushing for a starting spot down the line.
Walt Aikens: Bigger cornerbacks are in demand thanks to the Legion of Boom in Seattle. The Panthers add a small-school player with big potential.
Cody Hoffman: The 6’4” Hoffman has suffered from the buzz surrounding the other receivers in this draft and could fall to the sixth or seventh round. He has playmaking ability but has a lot of work to do.
Final Seven-Round Mock
Round 1 pick 28 – OT, Cyrus Kouandjo, Alabama
Round 2 pick 28 – WR, Davante Adams, Fresno State
Round 3 pick 28 – DB, Lamarcus Joyner, Florida State
Round 4 pick 28 – LB, Christian Kirksey, Iowa
Round 5 pick 28 – OT/G, Charles Leno, Boise State
Round 6 pick 28 – DE, Ron Powell, Florida
Round 7 pick 10 – WR, Cody Hoffman, BYU
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